Name of the Condition

• Common Name: Pain in Left Knee
• Medical Term: Knee Joint Pain

Summary

Pain in the left knee is a common musculoskeletal complaint that can arise from various causes, ranging from simple strain to more serious conditions like arthritis. It often affects mobility and daily activities.

Causes

• Overuse or strain from repetitive activities
• Injury, such as ligament tears or fractures
• Inflammatory conditions, including arthritis
• Degenerative joint diseases, such as osteoarthritis

Risk Factors

• Aging, as joint wear and tear increases over time
• High-impact sports or activities
• Obesity, which adds stress to knee joints
• Previous knee injuries or surgery
• Family history of musculoskeletal disorders

Symptoms

• Swelling and stiffness in the knee
• Redness and warmth around the affected area
• Crunching or popping sounds during movement
• Inability to fully straighten the knee

Diagnosis

• Physical examination by a healthcare professional
• Imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs to view the knee structure
• Ultrasound to assess soft tissue damage
• Blood tests to rule out infections or autoimmune conditions

Treatment Options

• Rest and ice application to reduce swelling
• Physical therapy to improve mobility and strength
• Medications such as NSAIDs for pain relief
• Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation
• Surgery, in severe cases, to repair or replace joint components

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• Many people experience significant relief with proper treatment.
• Follow-up with regular check-ups to monitor progress.
• Long-term management may include lifestyle adjustments to avoid recurrence.

Complications

• Chronic pain if not treated adequately
• Reduced mobility or joint function
• Possible progression to severe joint disorders, such as osteoarthritis

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Maintain a healthy weight to minimize knee stress
• Engage in low-impact exercises, like swimming and cycling
• Use knee supports or braces if necessary during activities
• Warm-up properly before physical exertion

When to Seek Professional Help

• Sudden or severe knee pain following an injury
• Difficulty in bearing weight on the left leg
• Visible knee deformity or swelling
• Knee pain accompanied by fever or redness

Additional Resources

• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (orthoinfo.aaos.org)
• Arthritis Foundation (arthritis.org)
• National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (niams.nih.gov)

Tips for Medical Coders

• Confirm documentation specifies the "left knee" to use the M25.562 code.
• Avoid confusion with similar codes for other joints or different sides of the body.
• Ensure any other underlying conditions causing knee pain are also correctly coded.